Ron Aribo is an operations officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and is an analyst for the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Atlanta City Council would be his first elected office. He spoke to Saporta Report via email.
Q: What’s your number one concern for your district specifically?
A: Equity among the public schools in my district concerns me greatly. We have a few of the worst rated schools in the city as well as some of the top rated which tells me that best practices and resources are not being shared equally.
Q: What could you do as an Atlanta City Council member about that?
A: The sacred trust and duty that is bestowed among parents, educators, elected officials, and the community to provide a high performing scholastic environment is paramount to the future success of children. As a councilman I will:
- Encourage a holistic approach to education to produce best outcome for students,parents, teachers, and the community
- Collaborate with Atlanta Public Schools to ensure the most efficient a fair allocation for schools. Be a listening ear and advocate for educational concerns as that may arise.
Q: What’s a professional or personal accomplishment you’re proud of?
A: I am most proud of my service in the United States Army Reserves as an operations officer. During my service I’ve had the pleasure to serve along side many honorable men and women with the common goal of protecting our county and ideals. Furthermore, while serving I have received honors such National Defense Service Medal 2008, Medal Expeditionary medal 2008, Army Commendation Medal 2011 2012, Army Achievement Medal, 2009, 2011, 2014. Secondly, I would say the work I have done with the Ervin Academy rehabilitating high-risk youth. These young men are often overlooked by society for the mistakes they have made in the past, but it fills me with joy to see some of them turn their lives around and get back to being a productive citizen to society.
Q: What’s an uncomfortable truth the next Council needs to face?
A: One of the most arduous task for the upcoming City Council will be making sure we do not grow our deficits as our city continue to grow. Currently, we are projected to run increasing deficiits for the next five years and that is unacceptable.
Q: What’s something council has gotten right in the last four to eight years?
A: I believe the Council has done a great job in attracting businesses and new industries such as film to Atlanta. However, we must make sure that we are not giving away too many incentives to businesses at the expense of upholding our current obligations to our long-term Atlanta citizens.[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=14_yJ2nA5CX_ThBCzY3fgnhX0dPk&w=400&h=480 align=”right”]
Q: What’s something Council has gotten wrong or failed to do in the last four to eight years?
A: The Council needs to operate with more transparency when it comes to contract bidding and large business deals impacting citizens.
Q: Bottom line, overall, why should people vote for you? What’s your pitch to the voters?
A: Voters should vote for me because they can rest assured that their concerns and issues will be addressed because I am a selfless servant to the people. This is how I have always lived my life and will do going forward. Furthermore, the motto of this campaign is “Strength through Service” because it is my firm belief as we as neighbors, friends and as a community, serve together everybody is strengthened economically, educationally and we all can find safety and protection through our deeply rooted associations. Strength through service is a way of life and this is the type of leadership I will provide to the district and the city of Atlanta. My vision is to bring the “community” atmosphere back to the city where everyone (citizens, businesses and government) are actively involved in creating and making opportunities for everyone.
Having lived in Atlanta for more than 10 years, dating back to my collegiate days in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science from Georgia State University to serving in the military and now having a family, a beautiful wife and son, I am focused on fostering a community that every family would be proud to call home.
Went to Grade School with your Wife Kyna. I know shes a great woman so im sure you are a great guy. You got my Vote. Good Luck Ron.